Everton defender Sylvain Distin says competition for places is red hot.
Fans' players of the season John Heitinga racked up 42 appearances and England international Phil Jagielka 34 games with all three men getting their share of minutes on the pitch - but all wanting more.
"It's been a battle from day one really," Distin told evertonfc.com. "At first Joey Yobo was there too, now it's two amazing players - one played a final in the World Cup, and Jags is one of the top centre backs in England so I don't understand why he's not in the squad for the Euros.
"It's healthy competition and it's good for the squad. Between us it's great, we enjoy spending time together and have a great chemistry.
"It keeps you on your toes because if you don't perform well you might not play the next game. It's great. I have no assurances I'll play next season, nobody has, and it's good. That can only make the team better and drag us all up.
"The atmosphere in the dressing room is just great. It's very relaxed and laid back and we all enjoy being with each other and spending time with each other.